Kroger Fresh Fare opening attracts a crowd

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Ty Greenlees The re-opening of the new Fresh Fare by Kroger grocery store, 530 E. Stroop Road, had customers lining up as early as 3:30 a.m.

By Kelli Wynn, Staff Writer Updated 10:12 AM Thursday, July 30, 2009

KETTERING — Motorists might have a difficult time finding a parking space in the Eichelberger Shopping Center today, Thursday, July 30.

The 7 a.m. re-opening of the new Fresh Fare by Kroger grocery store, 530 E. Stroop Road, had customers lining up as early as 3:30 a.m.

The store offered $10 gift certificates, a Bob Evans sausage roll and a lei to the first 300 customers.

Ten minutes before the electronic doors slid open, the line to get inside was wrapped around the parking lot, with the end of the line near the East Stroop Road entrance.

“That was a long line,” said 7-year-old Spencer Tate Morelock as he followed behind his grandmother Robin Ward of Kettering. The two got in line, which was stretched out near East Stroop Road, about 6:40 a.m.

“Is there still food in there?” Ward said to the some shoppers who were leaving the store around 7:37 a.m. Shoppers and Kroger employees standing nearby, laughed in response.

Kristen Hammaker and her mother Debbie Hammaker got in line, in front of the store, at 5:40 a.m.

“A lot of people were cutting,” Debbie Hammaker said, as she filled out what appeared to be a raffle form.

“We’re just glad we got in,” Kristen Hammaker said. “I’m a college student (at the University of Dayton). I’m not really used to getting up this early.”

Wendy George of Miami Twp. said she was about the 150th person in line when she arrived at 6:10 a.m. “I heard the first person was in line at 3:42 a.m.,” she said while looking for products in aisle six. “That’s a little crazy if you ask me.”

There was a ribbon-cutting ceremony about 8 a.m. with city and Kroger officials as the Fairmont High School Marching Band provided the drum rolls.

Kroger officials also presented the Foodbank of Dayton officials with a check for $36,000.

Stay with DaytonDailyNews.com for more updates on this event.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2414 or kwynn@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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